Has Africa become too dependent on Food Aid?

During my graduate school days, while working on a project, I came across this book “Dead Aid: Why aid is not working and how there is a better way for Africa” by Dambisa Moyo and that book altered my viewpoint on foreign aid help in general. I never really thought much about foreign aid till I read her book. Since then, there has been a lot of debate on whether foreign aid is effective and if foreign aid is the answer to eradicating poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition in Africa.

Despite all the food aid and food assistance programs various African countries receive, poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition is still prevalent. I keep asking myself if Africa will ever eradicate poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. I do not know the exact figures but throughout the years, Africa as a whole received billions of dollars of food aid. With this type of amount being donated to Africa, why have we not seen much improvement on these food crisis issue? This food aid and food crisis situation are a complex one. And the million dollar question is, have we, Africans become too dependent on food aid?

Personally, I think that Africa has become too dependent on food aid due to limited resources and uncontrollable situations such as political instability, climate change, and poor infrastructures. Look, no one likes receiving handouts all the time. We all want to be autonomous and free to our choices. Africa is blessed with natural resources but unequal distribution of wealth. We are innovative and have the potential to solve our own food crisis. Unfortunately, African countries have been cursed with corrupt leaders and bad governments. Most of these food aid donations do not make it to the people that need it the most and with no accountability, things go unresolved. Moreover, some of this food aid comes with some form of conditions from the donors. Since these conditions are unknown to the public, I believe some of these conditions from the donors might have benefitted them rather than the people in need.

I remain hopeful that someday, Africa will get out of this hole and become free from any form of foreign aid assistance. Till that happens, let us remain vigilant and hold our leaders accountable.